Writing Christmas Cards

Today’s trend in Christmas cards seems to be less personal than in years past. More of us are using preprinted Christmas cards that we don’t even sign ourselves. Even less personal, some of us send e-cards for Christmas rather than mailing our cards.

It’s possible that one of the reasons we have chosen to go the less personal route with our Christmas cards is that we simply don’t know what to say or how to say it. If you’d like to write your own cards, but dread the task of coming up with a personal note for each one, here are some tips to make it easier to write notes that your recipients will appreciate.

First, choose an appropriate card. The verse in your card or stationery should reflect the sentiment you wish to convey about the holidays and your own personal note should be in the same tone. For example, if you choose a card that says “Pray for Peace” inside. So, give some thought to what you really want to say and make your card match your personal note.

Secondly, try to write a note that is personal to the recipient. If you have holiday memories with this person, by all means share them in your card. You’ll likely bring a big smile to your recipient’s face to remember the special holidays you’ve shared.

If your recipient is a family member you’ll be visiting with over the holidays, you might mention that you’re looking forward to seeing them over the holidays or looking forward to an upcoming gathering.

Paying a compliment is always appreciated. If one of your pleasant holiday memories is of your aunt’s sugar cookies, for example, be sure to tell her so in your card. She’ll likely be very flattered to know that you make those same cookies for your children each year.

One of my favorite tactics for making my Christmas cards personal is to wait until I’ve received cards before I send mine out. Having already received a card from someone often gives me an idea about what to say. For example, if I receive a card from a friend that includes a photo of her children, I might comment on how the kids have grown or how much one of them looks like her. I can also take the opportunity to thank her for the picture, as it helps me keep up with her family. Of course, using this strategy means that I wait until pretty late to send my cards, and I don’t typically write them all at once.

The bottom line on wording your cards is to make it personal and sincere. Most people love to receive a card with a personal note, even if it is a short one. Writing your cards by hand does take more time and effort, but it really puts a personal and warm touch into your holiday greetings.

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